Jodhpur: History, Geography, Places

Location, Area and Administration of Jodhpur:

Jodhpur district is located in western part of Rajasthan, located between 26°00′ to 27°37′ North latitude and 72°55′ to 73°55′ East longitude. It shares common border with five districts viz., Bikaner, Jaisalmer in north and north west, Banner and Pali in SW & SE and Nagaur in E-NE.

The district has a geographical area of 22850 sq. kms which is 6.60% of total area of the state and 11.6% of total arid zone of Rajasthan. It has been divided into Mandore, Osian, Phalodi, Bilara, Bhopalgarh, Shergarh, Luni, Pipar City, Baori, Balesar Bap, Lohawat, Tinwari.

Image Source: maps of India, Only 7 Tehsils shown.

History of Jodhpur:

The history of Jodhpur revolves around the Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459. The city is named after him only. It was previously known as Marwar.

Marwar History: Rulers (1226-1949)

After the destruction of the Gahadavala kingdom, and the migration of the Gahadwalas to Rajputana, a prince of the Kannauj kings founded the Rathore dynasty of Marwar in 1226.

Rao Siyaji, grand son of Jai Chandra, of Kannauj, came to marwar during his pilgrimage to dwarka.

His Son, Rao Asthan conquered Pali, and Khed (in western Marwar), but ultimately got killed in battle by Sultan Jalauddin Khilji of Delhi.

Rao Chanda/Chundarji, 10th in succession from Siyaji, finally wrested control of Marwar from the Gurjara Pratiharas – and established rule of Rathores in Marwar.

Jodhpur was the primary state of Rathores but different states (Bikaner, Kishangarh etc)were also founded by different Rathore rulers.

Rulers of Jodhpur

Rao Chanda/Chundarji secured & found kingdom of Marwar.

Rao Chanda, is killed in battle by Salim Shah of Multan. The king’s son, Kanha, subsequently has to fight to retain his throne when his brother Rao Ranmal. Ultimately, Ranmal succeeds.

Rao Jodha(1438 – 1489)

Son of Ranmal becomes first fully independent king of Jodhpur,

1459- Laid foundation of modern city of Jodhpur

Reconquers Mandore from the Sisodiyas of Mewar (Rana Kumbha).

Began Construction of Mehrangarh fort.

Jodha’s son Rao Beeka – founded the kingdom of Bikaner

Rao Satal (1489-1492)

Rao Suja (1492 1515)

Rao Biram Singh (1515-1515)

Son of Bagha

Rao Ganga (1515-1532)

Rao Maldeo (1532-1562)

Maldeo refused to ally with either the Sur Empire or the Mughal Empire after Humayun regained control of north India in 1555.

Muslim historian Ferishta calls him as the “most Potent Ruler of Hindustan”

In 1543, Battle of Sammel: with Sher Shah Suri – Maldeo lost.

In 1562, lost Merta and Ajmer to Emperor Akbar, and forced to send two of his sons as hostages to the Imperial Court

Rao Chandra Sen (1562-1565)

3rd Son but Maldeo named him successor.

Elder brother Udai Singh, sided with Akbar – Battle of Merta 1562 – Lost his territories in wars with the Mughals.

He was defeated but refused to form any alliance with Mughals.

He continued his struggle until his death in 1581 at Pali, after which, Marwar submitted to Mughal rule in 1583

Raja Udai Singh (Mota Raja) (1583-1595)

Restored by the Mughals with the title ‘Raja’ as a vassal

Sawai Raja Suraj-Mal(1595-1619)

Maharaja Gaj Singh I (1619-1638)

To be the first to take the title ‘Maharaja’ by himself

Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1638-1678)

Shah Jehan made him ruler, in line with his wishes.

Author of “Siddhant-bodh”, “Anand Vilas” and “Bhasa-bhusan”

Aurangzeb revolted against Shah Jehan, Jaswant Singh sided with Shah Jehan – Battle of Dharmatpur. Aurangzeb won – named place of Victory- Fatehabad

His son Prithvi Raj Singh – was murdered by Aurangzeb through poisonous robe.

Raja Rai Singh (1659-1659)

Son of Raja Amar Singh

Maharaja Ajit Singh (1679-1724)

When Jaswant Singh died, he left no male heir. But 2 of his wives were pregnant. AJit was born later.

However, Aurangzeb appointed Indra Singh as ruler.

Durgadas went to Auranzeb to recognize Ajit singh as successor but Aurangzeb kept condition of converting Ajit to muslim. Durga das disagreed.

For 20 years, Marwar remained under direct Mughal rule, Durga das continued stuggle.

Was defeated in battle by his uncle Bakht Singh at Luniawas, 27 November 1750 and was expelled from Jodhpur and sought refuge in Jaipur.

Maharaja Bakht Singh (1751-1752)

Brother of Abhai Singh- defeated his son Ram Singh.

Maharaja Vijay Singh – 1752-1753) – (1772-1793)

Maharaja Bhim Singh (1793 1803)

Maharaja Man Singh (1803 1843)

Maharaja Sir Takht Singh (1843-1873)

Not in the direct line

Formerly Regent of Ahmednagar.

Assists the British in India during the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

Maharaja Sir Jaswant Singh II(1873-1895)

Kaisar-i-Hind

Maharaja Sir Sardar Singh – 1895 1911

Maharaja Sir Sumair Singh – 1911 1918

Maharaja Sir Umaid Singh (1918-1947)

Maharaja Sir Hanwant Singh (1947-47)

Historical Places of Jodhpur:

Mandore:

Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. This area is of major historical importance and you will find the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers. Unlike the original chhatri-shaped cenotaphs that are typical patterns of Rajasthan architecture, these are built along the lines of Hindu temples.

Mehrangarh Fort

Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. The fort is known for its exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.

Moti Mahal:

Moti Mahal, as the name suggests, is the Pearl Hall where the royal families held their audience. The hall is known to have glass windows and five nooks that enabled the queens to listen to the proceedings taking place in the Sringar Chowki, The Royal Throne of Jodhpur.

Phool Mahal:

Going by the name, the Phool Mahal or Flower Hall is the most exorbitant of all the halls in the palace. This beautiful chamber is said to be the pleasure dome for the Maharajas. The gold used for constructing the Mahal came from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Osian:

65 Kms from Jodhpur, lies ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. The shikhar of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling. This town which was once a great trading centre is an oasis and houses an abundance of peacocks. The largest of the 16 Jain and Brahmanical temples is dedicated to Mahavira.

Khejarla Fort:

Located 85 kilometres from the main city, the 400-year old Khejarla Fort is situated in a rural setting. The stunning red sandstone monument, now a hotel, is an example of Rajput architecture. Visitors will be mesmerised by the fort’s picturesque settings, latticework friezes and intricate Jharokas.

Ummaid Bhawan Palace:

Umaid Bhawan Palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 to counter a famine which had hit the state at the time. It was also known as the Chittar Palace while being constructed thanks to the use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill. The palace was designed by HV Lanchester, a renowned British architect, and was completed in 16 years. Built with sandstone and marble, the architecture of the palace is described as a blend of lndo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles. It is recognised as one of the largest private homes in the world and also one of the more spectacular buildings. It is the only palace built in the 20th century.

Jaswant Thada:

This milky white memorial built towards the end of the 19th century as a tribute to the leader Jaswant Singh is a huge tourist attraction. Jaswant Singh, who ruled Jodhpur, invested well in his state. He made attempts to bring down the level of crime, subdue dacoits, built railways and broadly worked on raising the economy of Marwar.

Ghanta Ghar:

Ghanta Ghar, also known as the clock tower of Rajasthan, is situated in one of the busiest areas of Jodhpur, the Sadar Bazaar. It was constructed by Shri Sardar Singh Ji of Jodhpur. The Sadar Market is quite popular among tourists, who throng the streets to purchase Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.

Sardar Samand Palace:

Built on the banks of the Sardar Samand Lake by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, the Sardar Samand Lake Palace is a spectacular hunting lodge. It remains the royal family’s favourite retreat and houses a vast collection of African trophies and original watercolour paintings.

Fairs & Festivals of Jodhpur:

Jodhpur fairs and festivals seem to express the rich culture and traditions Rajasthan. A number of festivals are celebrated in Jodhpur. However the most famous Fairs and festivals in Jodhpur are:

MARWAR FESTIVAL:

The Marwar festival is one the most famous festivals of Jodhpur and India. The two-day festival is held every year in the month of Ashwin (between September and October) and for one night in Osian Town in the Thar Desert, in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. It was originally known as the Maand Festival. The Marwar festival is a centre of authentic folk music, culture and lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rulers. The festival is held at famous venues like the Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort.

SHEETLAMATA FAIR

It is organized at a place locally known as ‘Kaga’ in Jodhpur City. This fair to is held on Chaitra Badi 8(March-April) every year. Nearly thirty thousand people assemble in this fair to pay homage to the image of Sheetla Mata.

VEERPURI FAIR AT MANDORE

A fair is held at Mandore, which is about 8 kms from Jodhpur city, in the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan on the penultimate Monday of Shravana(July-August) every year. Offerings of cash, coconuts and sweets are placed before the idols of deities-Ganesh, Bhairon, Chamunda and Kankali. About fifteen thousand persons of all communities congregate in this fair.

DASHEHRA FAIR AT MASSORIA HILL

The hillock has been developed as a beautiful picnic spot. A fair is organized on Ashvina Sudi 10(September-October) every year at a place near Masooria hillock known as ‘Rawan-ka Chabutra’ lacs of people congregate here on this occasion.

CHAMUNDA MATA FAIR

The Temple of Chamunda Mata is located in Jodhpur Fort. Chamunda Mata is the family deity of Rathors (the former rulers of Jodhpur State). A fair is held on Ashvina Sudi 9(September-October) every year. More than 50,000 people, who worship the goddess, congregate in the fair.

NAU SATI KA MELA

This fair is held at a place known as Ban Ganga in Bilara town. It takes place on Chaitra Badi Amavasya (March April) every year. It is held in the memory of nine women who became sati at this place. More than 10,000 persons assemble in this fair normally to take a dip in the Ban Ganga River and also take part in singing and dancing.

BABA-RAMDEO KA MELA

This fair is held at Jodhpur City on Bhadrapada Sudi 2(August-September) at Massoria hillock, where the temple of Baba Ramdeo is situated. A Large number of people gather on this occasion from various parts of the state. It is locally known as Massoria Baba Ka Mela.

Geography of Jodhpur:

The region comprises three distinct physiography units, namely, the alluvial plains, Escarpments and Ridges and Sand dunes. Land surface of the district is nearly flat and sandy with exception of some parts of Bilara and Osian Tehsils.

The western & north-western parts of district are characterized by sand dunes. Sand dunes of transverse, longitudinal and parabolic variety are present and attain a height of 10 to 40 m.

There is only one important river in the district, viz., Luni, which enter the district near Bilara and flows for a distance of over 75 kms. before entering in Barmer district.

The climate here is of extreme desert condition of scorching summer with hot dry winds and arid conditions. Phalodi is the hottest place in the district where in summers maximum daily temperatures varies between 40°C to 45°C. Occasionally, it rises to 49°C. The winters are quite chilly.

From rain fall point of view, district has two distinct zones i.e., the NW part has 20-30 cms. average rain fall while SE part has 30-40 cms. average rainfall. This rainfall mainly occurs during late June to September.

Natural Places of Jodhpur:

Gudha Vishnoiyan Conservation Reserve:

This village is inhabited by the Bishnoi community. They are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deers which thrive. Wild animals found in the reserve include Chinkara, Black Buck, Wild boar. Also in the village is the Guda Bishnoi Lake. Around the Guda Bishnoi Lake, one can also see numerous migratory birds like domicile Cranes etc,

Ranisar Padamsar:

Located near the Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh, the Ranisar and Padmasar are adjacent lakes that were constructed in the year 1459. Ranisar Lake was built on orders of Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha’s wife while Padmasar Lake was ordered by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar.

Kaylana Lake:

Situated on Jaisalmer road, this small artificial lake is an ideal picnic spot. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colors. The beauty of the lake stays with you long after you’ve experienced it.

Balasamand Lake:

Balsamand Lake is about 5 kilometres from Jodhpur on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road. Built in 1159 AD, it was planned as a water reservoir to cater to Mandore. The Balsamand Lake Palace was built on its shore later as a summer palace. It is surrounded by lush green gardens that house groves of trees such as mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum. Animals and birds like the jackal and peacock also call this place home.

Machiya Safari Park:

This park is situated on the way to Jaisalmer, about 1 kilometer from Kailana Lake. It offers a bird watching point for visitors and is also home to several animals such as deer, desert foxes, monitor lizards, blue bulls, hare, wild cats, mongoose, monkeys, etc

Sardar Samand Lake:

The lake attracts several migratory and local birds such as the yellow-legged green pigeon, Himalayan griffon and Dalmatian pelican, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.

Natural Resources/ Minerals of Jodhpur:

Minerals have been playing an important role in development of Jodhpur district for last many decades. The district is mainly rich in non-metallic minerals like sandstone, rhyolite, limestone, jasper, granite, clay, murram, kankar, brick earth, bajri etc. The important Major and minor minerals occurring in the district are :­

Jasper:

Jasper is silica having dark red colour.

It has been found to be a good abrasive and is used in making grinding wheels.